Urgent tree felling work has started at Hafod Forest

Tree felling operations will begin at Hafod Forest, in Ceredigion, to remove an area of trees that have become infected with disease.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is carrying out the work, which will start on Monday, 9 October 2023, as some of the trees are becoming unsafe.

A  total of 6.5 hectares will be felled in the forest. This includes the mature Noble Fir trees that line the entrance to the Estate from the Hafod Car park.

Alan Wilson, from NRW’s Forest Operations Team in Mid Wales, said:

“Felling these trees is essential as they have become heavily infected with a range of tree diseases. The trees are now in a poor condition, showing signs of rapid die-back, with large sections of bark falling off many trees”.

“If the trees were to remain, they would become unstable and at risk of falling in an uncontrolled way, making this a serious safety concern for walkers as well as the heritage sites, including the Church that are close by.

“After the felling has taken place, the areas will be re-generated with broadleaf tree species, through a combination of planting and natural regeneration. This will eventually help biodiversity to flourish by providing a more varied structure, such as different ages and species of trees.

“We would like to thank members of the local community for their co-operation and understanding.”

Signage will be installed by and there will be some temporary disruption to allow the felling to take place safely.

Forest visitors are being asked to take precautions by keeping to marked paths, observe all site signage and to keep dogs on a lead.

If you have any enquiries, please contact 0300 065 3000 or enquiries@naturalresources.wales